| Neal and Judy Ibbotson were pioneers in the | | | | Sauvignon Blanc, Saint Clair also won REGIONAL |
| Marlborough wine industry, first planting vineyards | | | | TROPHY FOR BEST NEW ZEALAND RED in the |
| in the valley's unique climate and soils in 1978 and | | | | 2005 Challenge for their 2003 Doctors Creek |
| then establishing Saint Clair Estate in 1994. They | | | | Pinot Noir. |
| own and developed 100 acres of vineyards in | | | | The almost extinct Tuatara, cousin of the |
| four different Marlborough locations chosen | | | | dinosaur, is still to be found on Stephens Island in |
| specifically for the attributes of their individual | | | | the Marlborough Sound, not far from Saint Clair's |
| locations and ability to produce top quality grapes. | | | | vineyards and gives its name to a pair of fruit |
| Their wines received immediate success with | | | | driven Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines as well |
| three medals from three wines in their first | | | | as a Pinot Noir which are ideal for serving by the |
| competition. | | | | glass. |
| Premium quality grapes harvested at optimum | | | | SAINT CLAIR SAUVIGNON BLANC |
| maturity, from some of the world's finest | | | | Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Saint |
| vineyards, plus the passionate winemaking of Matt | | | | Clair's vineyards in the Wairau and Awatere |
| Thomson, allows us to bring you these elegant, | | | | Valleys of Marlborough. |
| world class wines from Marlborough. Neal and Judy | | | | Winemaking: The grapes were harvested very |
| Ibbotson were pioneers in the Marlborough wine | | | | early in the morning to minimize oxidation and |
| industry, first planting vineyards in the valley's | | | | extraction prior to immediate pressing with |
| unique climate and soils in 1978 and then | | | | minimum skin contact. The clear juice was |
| establishing Saint Clair Estate in 1994. | | | | inoculated with selected yeasts and fermented |
| Saint Clair's viticultural expertise plus the highest | | | | dry in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. |
| winemaking skills has led to a growing reputation | | | | It was chilled and racked off yeast lees before |
| which includes many international awards including | | | | being stabilized and bottled. Alc 13%, R/S 3.5g |
| the Trophy for best Sauvignon Blanc in the 2004 | | | | Litre |
| Decanter World Wine Awards for their Wairau | | | | Taste: A full and crisp, powerful wine with intense |
| Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. Consistent with this | | | | aromas and flavours of passion fruit, blackcurrant, |
| success, the 2004 vintage of this same wine was | | | | underlying gooseberry and herbal tones. |
| awarded TROPHY FOR BEST SAUVIGNON | | | | Mouth-watering acidity is balanced by a full yet |
| BLANC in the 2005 International Wine and Spirit | | | | elegant palate that leads to a long lingering finish |
| Competition while Saint Clair was given the | | | | Serve: Chilled as an aperitif or to accompany |
| accolade of NEW ZEALAND WINEMAKER OF THE | | | | white meats, seafood and light pasta dishes. Also |
| YEAR in the same competition in 2005. Not | | | | suited to vegetarian cuisine. |
| content with winning awards just for their | | | | |